Designs finalized for Marshall, McLoughlin

It’s been 26 years since Marshall Elementary and McLoughlin Middle School were partially remodeled, and more than 55 years since they last were rebuilt. But soon both schools will be completely rebuilt into connected structures with shared and separate spaces for elementary students and middle schoolers. The new building will unite the schools while also allowing them to maintain their own identities and enhance their service to the entire learning community. Constructing a single building rather than two separate schools also will help control costs.

Staff, students, parents and community members provided input into the design of the new building. Below are highlights of the final design:

Two-story structure that will capture natural light for a brighter, more open feeling

Secure, controlled access into each school and between the elementary and middle schools

A shared Family-Community Resource Center that will help the schools serve their community and engage families in students’ education

Media center that can be divided in two smaller spaces or open into one large space for community events

Centralized kitchen and heating/cooling system

Separate commons areas that open to outdoor courtyards

Designated bus drop-off and pickup area

Separate parking lots for parent drop-offs and pickups for each school

Secure courtyards that allow students to extend their learning outdoors

Opportunities to create spaces where students can engage in hands-on, project-based learning

Places for small groups to work

New playgrounds with hard and soft surfaces

New field space

New rubberized track

The new building will be located between the existing schools. The Propstra Aquatic Center will not be affected. Classroom pods at the existing McLoughlin will be repurposed for district use.

The current McLoughlin eventually will be razed, and the current Marshall will be remodeled for the programs that are now at Lieser Campus.

Lieser Campus

In preparation for housing Lieser Campus programs, the existing Marshall will receive a new heating/cooling system, new roof, new carpet and paint, new common areas for collaboration and additional renovations to meet teaching and learning needs. The existing Marshall parking lot and adjacent tennis courts will remain in their current locations.

VPS plans to raze the building that now holds Lieser Campus, but the district does not currently plan to sell the property or develop it. Lieser Campus will be renamed upon its move to the Marshall building.

Construction is slated to begin this summer. Unless any unforeseen delays arise, the new Marshall will open in fall 2019, McLoughlin in summer 2020 and Lieser Campus in 2020.

Note: While the design plans are final, not every single element depicted in this video is confirmed.